On the hotest, muggest days of the year, my Nissan Altima (2000) nearly stalls or dies out at red lights or taking off from stops; however, this summer it appears to be happening more frequently even though I have been pumping premium gas. It has been behaving this way every summer since I have owned it. The check engine light has not gone on, so I have gotten the same response from two differnt mechanics (one from the dealership), “Lady, we can’t do anything for you until the light goes on.”
Does it happen with the AC (air conditioner) and defroster off, or only when one or the other is on? Maybe the AC compressor is siezed — or the circuit that keeps idle speed correct when the AC compressor cycles on is not working.
Unless your owners manual says it needs premium, premium will do nothing to maintain or improve the car’s performance or longevity.
The mechanics don’t seem very thoughtful or respectful. I one addressed my wife with that comment, we’d look elsewhere.
If you find the problem goes away when the AC and defroster are off, your best bet might be a good shop that specializes in auto AC.
I will pay attention as to whether or not the AC and defroster is on. However, it stalls even worse when I put regular unleaded gas and on the HOTTEST DAYS of the year even more so when it is extremely humid. This is why I started pumping premium gas during the months of July and August thinking it was something to do w/ the fuel system.